Electric blanket testing campaign a success, say fire service (From Ledbury Reporter)

Electric blanket testing campaign a success, say fire service

3:34pm Wednesday 31st October 2012 in News

AN electric blanket safety testing campaign in Herefordshire has been hailed a success.

The initiative, organised by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS) and Age UK, saw 314 blankets tested across the county, with a total of 72 (23 per cent) being defective.

“As we’ve seen in previous years, some of the blankets brought along to be tested were very old, some with faulty switches or wiring in very poor condition,” said Pete Hope, community safety advisor at HWFRS.

“On this occasion, we were able to offer replacement blankets for those found to be unsafe to use and it’s good to know that we’ve been able to reduce the potential for fire or serious injury by doing so.”